Introduction

Ham is a classic main dish perfect for celebrations and family dinners. While it’s easy to buy a pre-cooked ham, cooking your own ham can be a rewarding and cost-effective experience. Some might find cooking a whole ham intimidating, but with the right temperature, timing, and flavors, it can be a simple and delicious meal to prepare.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook ham perfectly. From choosing the right type of ham to flavoring and cooking it in different ways, this article will take you through the whole process to make your ham taste and look amazing.

Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start cooking your ham, you need to know what type of ham you want to use. There are two main types of ham: fresh ham, which is uncured and uncooked, and cured ham, which is typically smoked and ready to eat or cook. Fresh ham can be a healthier choice, but it requires more preparation, seasoning, and cooking time, while cured ham is more convenient because it’s already cured, flavored, and cooked, thus requiring less effort. For this guide, we’ll mostly focus on how to cook cured ham.

Here are the steps to cook ham in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Place the ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, fat side up.
3. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, without touching bone or fat.
4. Bake the ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the thermometer reads 140°F.
5. If you want to add a glaze, brush it on the ham during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
6. Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.

You can also score the skin, apply a spice rub or herbs, or add fruits or vegetables to the pan for extra flavor. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the ham to steam instead of roast.

To know when the ham is done, you need to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, which should reach 140°F. Be careful not to overcook the ham, as it can become dry and lose its flavor.

Flavoring Ham

Ham is a versatile meat that can be customized to suit your taste buds. Here are some ways to add flavor to your ham:

• Glaze: You can add sweetness and shine to your ham by making a glaze with ingredients like brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, or pineapple juice. Brush the glaze over the ham near the end of cooking, and repeat every 10-15 minutes until it’s caramelized and glossy.
• Spices: You can add spice to your ham by creating a dry rub with ingredients like smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, or chili powder. Rub the spice mixture all over the ham before putting it in the oven. You can also add whole spices like cloves or cinnamon sticks to the ham for a fragrant touch.
• Herbs: You can add freshness to your ham by rubbing or stuffing it with herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley. These herbs can complement the flavors of the ham and add color to the plate. You can also make a herb butter by mixing chopped herbs with softened butter, and rubbing it under the skin of the ham.

When it comes to flavoring ham, the possibilities are endless. You can combine different flavors and experiment with new ingredients to find your perfect match. Just make sure to balance the sweetness, saltiness, and acidity of the ham, and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Slow Cooker Ham

If you want to cook ham without using an oven, you can try using a slow cooker. Here are the steps to cook ham in a slow cooker:

1. Place the ham in the slow cooker, with the fat side up.
2. Add about 1 cup of liquid, such as water, broth, or apple cider, to the slow cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the thermometer reads 140°F.
4. If you want to add flavor to the ham, you can rub it with spices, herbs, or a glaze before putting it in the slow cooker, or brush it with a glaze during the last hour of cooking.
5. Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

If you’re worried that your ham might turn out bland in the slow cooker, you can season it generously with salt, pepper, and spices. You can also add vegetables like onions, garlic, or carrots to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.

Smoked Ham

If you want to take your ham to the next level, you can smoke it to infuse it with a rich, smoky flavor. Here are the steps to smoke ham:

1. Soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain them.
2. Prepare your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and heat it to 225-250°F.
3. Place the ham on the smoker rack, fat side up, and insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham.
4. Smoke the ham for about 4-6 hours, or until the thermometer reads 140°F.
5. Baste the ham with a glaze during the last hour of smoking, and wrap it in foil to keep it moist.
6. Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

If you’re unsure about what wood chips to use for smoking ham, you can try using hickory, apple, cherry, or maple wood. Each wood has a unique flavor profile that can complement the taste of the ham differently.

Grilled Ham

Grilled ham is a flavorful and juicy alternative to baked ham that can be perfect for summer barbecues or picnics. Here are the steps to grill ham:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the ham on the grill grates, fat side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s charred and heated through.
3. If you want to add flavor to the ham, you can brush it with a glaze, a spice rub, or a herb butter during the last few minutes of grilling.
4. Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.

When grilling ham, you need to be careful not to overcook it, as it can become tough or dry. You can also choose to smoke the ham before grilling it for extra smokiness and complexity.

Leftover Ham Ideas

One of the best things about cooking ham is that you’re likely to have leftovers that you can use in other dishes. Here are some ideas for using up leftover ham:

• Ham and cheese sliders: Cut the leftover ham into small pieces, and place them on top of slider buns with cheese and a glaze or sauce of your choice. Bake in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted.
• Ham omelet: Chop the leftover ham into small pieces, and mix them with eggs, cheese, and vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or peppers. Cook on a skillet until the eggs are set and the omelet is golden brown.
• Ham and potato soup: Boil potatoes, onions, and celery in broth or water until tender, then blend them to make a creamy soup. Add chopped ham, herbs, and spices of your choice, and simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.

Leftover ham can add protein and flavor to a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches to pizzas. You can also freeze the leftover ham for future use, or make a big batch of ham to freeze and thaw as needed.

Side Dishes

When serving ham, it’s important to have side dishes that complement its flavor and texture. Here are some side dishes that pair well with ham:

• Mashed potatoes: Make a creamy and buttery mashed potatoes using Yukon Gold potatoes, milk, and butter, and season it with salt, pepper, and chives. Mashed potatoes can balance the saltiness and richness of the ham, and provide a comforting texture.
• Roasted vegetables: Roast vegetables like carrots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Roasted vegetables can add color and nutrition to the plate, and complement the smokiness of the ham.
• Green salad: Mix greens like arugula, spinach, or romaine with fruits like apples, grapes, or oranges, and nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Drizzle the salad with a vinaigrette or a honey-mustard dressing. A green salad can provide a refreshing and tangy contrast to the richness of the ham.

You can also incorporate ham into side dishes to make them more flavorful. For example, you can add ham bits to mac and cheese, quiches, or frittatas, or mix ham into cornbread batter or stuffing.

Conclusion

Cooking ham is a great way to bring joy and flavor to your family and friends. Whether you’re using a slow cooker, an oven, a smoker, or a grill, ham can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit your preference and occasion.

By using this step-by-step guide, you can learn not only how to cook ham perfectly, but also how to add your own spin to it with flavoring ideas, leftover ideas, and side dishes.

So next time you’re looking for a hearty and savory meal, turn to ham and make it your own.